Safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts

ABSTRACT

The safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipment having movable parts is configured to use a camera to view and cause detection of a safety related event in a field of view of the camera. The device is useful in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upwardly oriented storage chamber for such items, the safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour of an item, a simplified token system, and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/814,205 filed Jul. 18, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,596,311, whichis a continuation of PCT/NO06/0029, filed Jan. 24, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related in general to apparatus for handlingitems or objects, e.g. for receiving, sorting and storing returnableitems or objects, such as empty beverage containers like bottles, cansor the like. The invention is particularly useful in connection withreverse vending machines, although certain aspects of the presentinvention may also find other fields of use. In particular, the presentinvention relates to a safety apparatus for controlling operation offunctional equipment having movable parts, said apparatus configured touse a camera to view and cause detection of a safety related event in afield of view of the camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention came about following the recognition of the needto provide a more cost efficient reverse vending machine, yet simple,reliable and space saving. In particular, it was recognized the need toreduce overall cost of manufacturing such new machines by addressingsuch important issues to as minimizing the number of expensivecomponents, such as e.g. camera, barcode reader, object sorter, objectconveyor, object rotator, and token printer, as well as minimizingrequired space, especially as regards floor area.

However, in such recognition, it was revealed that the invention wouldbecome related to a plurality of aspects which all in their ownrespective manner would contribute to a desirable end result.

In a decade or so, environmental and economical concerns have spurredsignificant developments in the field of facilities for collecting cans,bottles, jars and other containers, preferably for recovering thematerial for recycling purposes. These days, fully automatic systems areavailable that are capable of receiving and storing many different typesof used containers, or even parts of used containers.

Arrangements for handling recyclable items like returnable emptybeverage containers are inter alia known from the European publicationsEP 0 384 885 (SIG Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft), EP 1311448,and the International Patent Application publication WO02/12096 (EP1313656) (TOMRA SYSTEMS ASA) and EP 14677328 (TOMRA SYSTEMS ASA).

Till now, available fully automated systems, so-called reverse vendingmachines (RVMs) and back-room systems, that are capable of receiving andstoring used containers have been quite complex and expensive. Theyhave, therefore, mostly been found in larger stores, shopping centers orsupermarkets, or in special facilities put up for collecting recyclableitems or objects.

Accordingly, for the customer who has recyclable items or objects insmaller quantities, and who may not have at disposal a proper vehicle tofacilitate easy transportation of recyclable material to a larger store,shopping center or supermarket that may be located at a distance fromthe person's home, it is often easier to throw the recyclable items outwith the garbage.

The currently available reverse vending machines normally deliver thereceived objects to a back-room receiving facility or a downstairsfacility. The total installation is expensive, requires substantialspace, is often complex to install and service, and has operationaldrawbacks, in particular from a cleaning point of view. Frequentcleaning of soiled operational parts, suitably with water or specialcleaning agent, is very important to secure failsafe operation.Returnable beverage containers frequently contain beverage leftovers,which often happen to come into contact with operational parts, thusmaking such parts sticky and causing operational failure if not properlycleaned. Cleaning is more than often a messy operation, and care has tobe made not to harm electrical components.

Most RVMs need to have the ability to inspect identifying features onthe object, such as e.g. a bar code. If such features are notimmediately seen by a dedicated detector, the object will need to berotated to find if such features are indeed present. An object rotatingmechanism is expensive and requires substantial space in thelongitudinal or depth direction of the RVM. Further, if such RVMs arealso to provide object sorting, an additional sorter has to be provided,adding further to the cost of the installation, and the dimension of theRVM as regards depth dimension is in some cases prohibitive when both arotator and a sorter are to be included. Also, most owners of stores,shopping centers or supermarkets are concerned over RVMs requiringsubstantial and expensive space for collecting the containers receivedby the RVM, such space frequently being occupied by container collectiontables.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore has as a principal object to meet a longfelt need to provide an improved automated facility for collectingreturnable objects or items, such as recyclable items of plastic, metalor glass, and for overcoming the well-known mentioned drawbacks, thusyielding a low cost facility which exhibits optimal use of limitedspace, in particular floor space, that may be available almosteverywhere, enabling their placement even in smaller stores, conveniencestores, local gas stations and public areas. Thereby, such facilitiesmay be more conveniently available to customers. These features andother features to appear through reading of the specification are someof the objectives of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A conveyor means has been described in connection with an inventivefacility which allows storage of a large number of returnable items orobjects in a mostly vertically oriented storage space without employinga vertical conveyor for filling the storage space.

Thus, such conveyor means provides usefulness with an upwardly orientedstorage having an interior space for storing height-wise returnableitems.

The upwardly oriented storage is suitable for storing in a substantiallyupwards filling direction returnable objects or items, particularlyreturnable containers like bottles, cans and the like, preferably suchthat are made from plastic, glass or metallic material.

Embodiments of the storage space part of the storage facility will befurther disclosed in the detailed part of the description.

The conveyor means is disclosed in the detailed description inter aliafor use with a facility for receiving returnable items.

Such conveyor means is useful for receiving and sorting returnableitems, and in the present context preferably for delivering returnableitems for storing in a storage facility, and it has been the purpose toprovide for a very compact conveyor means for such use.

The features of embodiments of the conveyor means appear from thedetailed description.

Advantageous embodiments of a rotary drum type of conveyor means are inparticular described.

However, the present disclosure also describes an alternative to therotary drum type of conveyor means, the alternative being in the form ofa plunger type of conveyor means.

The conveyor means as defined are particularly suitable for feedingreturnable objects or items, particularly returnable containers likebottles, cans and the like, preferably made from plastic, glass ormetallic material to a vertically or upwardly oriented storage forstoring returnable objects or items in a substantially upwards fillingdirection.

More specifically, the conveyor means is adapted to handle, sort andconvey returnable items or objects, and for feeding such items orobjects into the substantially vertically or upwardly oriented storagespace, without employing a vertical conveyor for filling the storagespace.

In recognition of the necessity to be able to view and recognizecharacteristic features of an object, there is described a device forenabling camera viewing of characteristic features of an object in orderto subsequently enable processing of signals related to viewed features.

Further, such a device is intended to enable camera viewing of tworegions of an object, in order to subsequently enable processing ofsignals related to viewed features.

In addition, such camera viewing can be of a location where the objectcan be placed and thereby cause subsequent recognition of the contour ofthe object, a lens being arranged between the camera and said location.

Further, the device enables use of a single camera.

Still further, there is disclosed a device using a camera to viewcharacteristic features of an object against a light providing or brightbackground area, in order to subsequently enable processing related toviewed features.

It is important to note that the recited camera viewing features areclosely interrelated.

From prior art it is conventional to view an object or article, e.g.empty beverage packaging, such as a can or bottle, against a lightreflective background, the viewing being made via a lens in order thatlight rays which are sent towards the object are parallel rays. DE19512133 A1 discloses such technique. On the basis of such viewing,analysis for object contour is made.

However, simultaneously with viewing of shape of a bottle or can, asdisclosed in said DE 195 12 133 A1, there has also been the need to viewand recognize or read other characteristic features, such as a bar codeon the can or bottle.

In a reverse vending machine (RVM), it is conventional to view andrecognize shape of the object at one location in the RVM and torecognize other identifiable characteristic features such as indicia,barcode etc. at another location. If e.g. a barcode is not directlyvisible to a barcode reader, the object must be rotated until thebarcode becomes visible and can be read by the reader.

It is a well known fact that in order to be able to detect both contourof the object and read indicia or identifying features located on theobject, including object rotation to find and read identifying features,multiple and separate operating units need to be provided, thusrequiring extra space within the RVM to carry out the operations. Ifthere is in addition the requirement of a sorting function, additionalchallenges arise as regards available space. Said EP publicationsEP1311448 and 1313656 disclose, with reference to an RVM for beveragecontainer such as bottles and cans, the provisions of contour detection,barcode reading and beverage container sorting. Contour detection andsorting is made by one operating unit (see EP 1313656), and a furtheroperating unit (EP 1311448) provides for beverage container rotation tofind a barcode and barcode reading.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,440 discloses a device with a detection station forreading barcode, rotation of the object such as e.g. a bottle to locatea barcode not immediately visible, as well as a sorting function.However, the possibility of detecting an object contour at such stationis not available and needs to be performed by a separate stationsuitably located upstream, as disclosed in said patent.

It has therefore been a long felt need to provide for a technicalsolution which yields a more compact, yet simple and cost-effectivearrangement and with the possibility of both detection of contour andidentifying features located on the object, as well as a sortingfunction and other optional functions.

Accordingly, the present disclosure also describes a device which makesuse of camera aid to provide for major detection functions, and withother benefits resulting from the overall structure.

In recognition of the need to avoid operational hazards as far aspossible, and above all avoid any accidental injury to a user of thefacility, the present invention relates to a safety apparatus forcontrolling operation of functional equipment having movable parts.

It is a well known technique in a reverse vending machine (RVM) toprovide movement detectors or light curtains in the form oftransmitter/receiver pairs to detect when an object has reached aparticular position in the RVM, to alert if someone tries to move a handinto the RVM, or to view a video image to detect entry into or directionof movement into a detection region as seen by a camera. Upon suchdetection, action can be taken to inhibit further operation of movingparts and/or trigger an alarm. Further, in the case oftransmitter/receiver pairs, expensive hardware has to be installed,aligned and serviced.

European Patent EP-0910485 (TOMRA SYSTEMS ASA) discloses a camerafunctionality in order to control movements in a camera field of view inconnection with a reverse vending machine. Such movement control issoftware related.

If a particular part of a camera provided image of e.g. an entry regionof a device such as a reverse vending machine for empty beveragecontainers is to be used for monitoring safety hazard, any softwareupdate related to camera function must also be documented and certifiedto ensure that said monitoring capability is still operative. Suchprocess is time consuming and expensive. In case of e.g. camera failure,the image may appear blank as if no activity or events in the camerafield of view would be present. In such a situation, an inherent safetyhazard may be present.

Safety hazards e.g. include the risk of a person getting a hand injuredif put into the RVM, or operational failures due to incorrect handlingof the RVM by a person.

The invention has therefore as an object to avoid the inherent drawbacksof the prior art solutions related to avoiding safety hazards.

The present invention accordingly describes useful and novel embodimentsof such safety apparatus, and the characteristic features thereof appearfrom the relevant independent apparatus claim. Further embodiments ofthe safety apparatus appear from the corresponding sub-claims.

This is explained in more detail with reference in particular to drawingFIGS. 37 a, 37 b, 37 c, 40 a and 40 b.

Reverse vending machines conventionally issue a specially printed tokenrelated to the return or redemption value of empty beverage containersreceived by the reverse vending machine (RVM), and the token is thentaken to a rewarding unit or so-called checkout and payment station toget a cash reward or a cash deduction from a bill to be paid for othersales items or objects, e.g. groceries. However, it has also been a longfelt desire to simplify dispensing of tokens in a RVM to avoidoccasional and inherent printer failures well known to the expert in theart when tokens are to be printed with individual return value relateddata.

The present disclosure therefore also relates to a token system for usewith a reverse vending machine suitable for receiving empty packaging inthe form of empty beverage containers.

Closely linked thereto is a token system related to a reverse vendingmachine which is configured to detect and identify features of anobject, tokens being dispensable one-by-one from a token dispenser andconfigured to be related to an object being observable and detectablefor object identification.

Security measures have over the past years been implemented in order toavoid recurring swindle attempt through presentation at the rewardingunit of home-made tokens with a redemption value printed thereon. Thus,the new tokens issued have also included a particular serial number, andboth the redemption value and the serial number have been communicatedfrom the RVM to a central computer, suitably located in the store orsupermarket, in order to validate the token, and when the token has beenpresented at the rewarding unit, payment is made to the customer and thecentral computer then invalidates the token by removing the data fromavailability at the rewarding unit.

The tokens are usually made from thin paper from a roll of paper passingthrough a printer, suitably a thermal printer, before it is issued tothe customer. Experience has, however, shown that use of such printedpaper tokens has the drawback that the printer occasionally fails, theprinter is expensive and needs maintenance service at regular intervals,and the paper from the paper roll is expensive and needs to be of aparticular quality to yield as low failure rate as possible.

Given some of the disadvantages of the prior art tokens, it istherefore, according to the present disclosure, an object to provide fora token system that avoids printing of tokens in an RVM, yet providesthe required security against swindle attempts and avoids the use of anyprinter and related printer maintenance.

Embodiments of a preferred token system will therefore be disclosedlater in the present specification.

In addition to the features of the invention previously referred to thepresent disclosure is also concerned with the inherent problems in areverse vending machine of disconnecting operational units for cleaningpurposes, services etc., and there is accordingly described a noveldrive device in a reverse vending machine to forcibly drive at least onehandling unit suited to handle empty packaging in the form of emptybeverage containers.

It is well known in the art that equipment used for handling emptybeverage containers in a reverse vending machine (RVM) is frequentlysoiled by beverage leftovers coming from the interior of suchcontainers, and causing malfunction of the equipment or drive motoroverload if not properly washed and cleaned at regular intervals, inmany cases with a necessity for cleaning once every day.

Such equipment is conventionally made with drive motors firmly attachedto the equipment either on the outside or internally, and withsophisticated or expensive plug/socket connection to power supply in thereverse vending machine.

When cleaning such equipment, often with hot water and/or pressurizedwater or other cleaning agent, motors and connectors may be damaged orget moist through intrusion of water, with the inherent risk ofmalfunction through leakage currents or even short-circuit. Therefore,expensive and sophisticated technical solutions have to be designed toavoid such damages or other operational problems or hazards. Suchsolutions may therefore include special purpose motors, plug and socketunits, wiring etc.

The present invention therefore intends to overcome the presentevery-day problem linked with the operation of reverse vending machineswhich are in need of frequent cleaning to remove spillage of beverageleftovers which are more than often with a very high sugar content,resulting in sticky functional components and adherence betweencomponents, causing unnecessary wear and tear on functional componentsand drive units, causing reduced life of many components, as well assubstantial risk of malfunction.

Preferred embodiments of the drive device appear from the detaileddescription.

In the following, the safety apparatus, as well as aspects related to anupwardly oriented storage, a conveyor means, a device for camera aidedviewing of characteristic features of an object, a token system and adrive device, will be explained by way of examples and by reference tothe accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals indicatethe same elements, although as regards some elements, differentreference numerals have been used for elements having same properties offunctioning and for practical reasons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 a shows in a perspective view, an exemplary mode of a reversevending machine with object storage chamber; object supporting,rotating, sorting and conveyor means; camera-aided detector device;supplementary item/object collector means; token dispenser; tokenreader; safety apparatus; and drive means,

FIGS. 1 b and 1 c show the object rotating, sorting and conveyor meanswith its longitudinal axis tilted relative to the horizontal,

FIG. 2 a shows an exemplary embodiment of an essentially upwardlyoriented storage or storage chamber,

FIGS. 2 b and 2 c show the embodiments of FIG. 2 a in association with acompactor.

FIG. 3 is a further a principle drawing of a storage space or chamberfor a storage facility,

FIG. 4 is a principle drawing showing a first embodiment of anexpandable storage chamber for a storage facility,

FIG. 5 is a principle drawing showing a second embodiment of anexpandable storage chamber for a storage facility,

FIG. 6 is a principle drawing showing an exemplary layout of a storagefacility having multiple storage chambers,

FIG. 7 is a principle drawing showing an exemplary possible layout of astorage facility having multiple storage chambers and a drum typeconveyor unit,

FIG. 8 is a principle drawing showing a possible layout of a storagefacility having multiple storage chambers, a conveying and sortingmeans, and means for reading information from, or detecting the type of,returnable item or object being positioned in an input receiving area,

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of a drum type conveyor for a storagefacility, being positioned in a first rotational position,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the drum type conveyor shown in FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a drum typeconveyor for incorporation in a storage facility, the drum being in asecond rotational position with a piston like plunger element in aretracted position,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the conveyor of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a drum typeconveyor for incorporation in the storage facility, the drum beingrotated in a first direction from the second position to assume a thirdrotational position in which with the piston-like plunger element is inan advanced position,

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the positional state of the drum typeconveyor of FIG. 13,

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a drum typeconveyor for incorporation in a storage facility, with the drum rotatedin a direction opposite to that starting at FIGS. 11, 12 and ending atFIGS. 13, 14, i.e. a rotation in clockwise direction—as viewed on FIG.15—from the second position to the first position to assume a furtherrotational position with the piston-like plunger in an advanced,downwardly facing position,

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of positional state of the drum typeconveyor of FIG. 15, as seen partly from below,

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drum type conveyorfor incorporation in a storage facility, having a roller and a load cellapplied to the roller,

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a drum type conveyor embodiment positionedin a cabinet with a bearing for the roller and load cell on a movablearm,

FIG. 19 shows the bearing and load cell arrangement of FIG. 18 with themovable arm positioned for bearing and load cell engagement with aroller,

FIG. 20 is a principle drawing of a first embodiment of a conveyorhaving a moveable plunger in a stationary housing and useful for astorage facility,

FIG. 21 is a principle drawing of the conveyor of FIG. 20 in a differentoperational state,

FIG. 22 is a principle drawing of a second and modified embodiment ofthe conveyor of FIGS. 20 and 21,

FIG. 23 is a schematic side view of the conveyor of FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 is a principle drawing of the conveyor of FIGS. 20-23 toillustrate rotation of a returnable item received in the input receivingarea of the conveyor,

FIG. 25 is a principle sketch of a first embodiment of a camera-aidedviewing device for viewing an object with regard to contour of theobject and identifying features or indicia on the object,

FIG. 26 is a principle, though slightly more detailed sketch of thefirst embodiment of the camera-aided viewing device showing in moredetail a first object supporting, rotation, sorting and conveying means,

FIG. 27 is a principle sketch of a second embodiment of the camera-aidedviewing device,

FIG. 28 is a principle sketch of a third embodiment of the camera-aidedviewing device,

FIG. 29 is a principle sketch of a fourth embodiment of the camera-aidedviewing device,

FIG. 30 is a principle sketch of a fifth embodiment of the camera-aidedviewing device,

FIG. 31 is a principle sketch of a sixth embodiment of the camera-aidedviewing device,

FIG. 32 is a principle sketch of a second object supporting, rotation,sorting and conveying means,

FIG. 33 is a principle sketch of a seventh embodiment of thecamera-aided viewing device,

FIG. 34 is a principle sketch of an eight embodiment of the camera-aidedviewing device,

FIG. 35 is a principle sketch of a ninth embodiment of the camera-aidedviewing device,

FIG. 36 is a principle sketch of a tenth embodiment of the camera-aidedviewing device,

FIG. 37 a shows a camera image with two image parts, and FIG. 37 b showsa camera surveillance image with a set of dedicated camera image sensormatrix pixels indicated,

FIG. 37 c shows a simplified circuit diagram forming part of the blockschematic diagram in FIG. 46,

FIG. 38 is a principle sketch to illustrate camera reading of bar-codeon a token in a token storage device,

FIG. 39 is an exemplifying token,

FIG. 40 a is a partial view of a supporting device and a background areaor panel,

FIG. 40 b is a variant of the background area or panel shown on FIG. 40a,

FIG. 41 a is a sketch of a first embodiment of a token reading means,

FIG. 41 b is a sketch of a second embodiment of a token reading means,

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a part of the view of FIG. 38,

FIGS. 43-45 are perspective views of a token dispenser seen from below,from the side and above, and substantially from above, respectively,

FIG. 46 is a block schematic diagram of electrically or electronicallyoperative elements in a system incorporating the invention,

FIG. 47 is a principle sketch to illustrate drive means for rotatablydriving a drum in said object supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyormeans,

FIGS. 48 a and 48 b are principle sketches to illustrate a mechanicaldrive coupling between drive means (FIG. 48 a) and a handling device,e.g. a “soft-drop” storage container (FIG. 48 b),

FIG. 49 a shows in principle an alternative mechanical drive coupling,and FIG. 49 b is a modification thereof,

FIG. 50 a shows the sketch of FIG. 47 with a first type of drumrotational position sensors indicated,

FIG. 50 b shows the sketch of FIG. 47 with a second type of drumrotational position sensors indicated, and

FIG. 51 shows in a perspective view a reverse vending machine withobject storage chamber; object supporting, rotating, sorting andconveyor means; item collector means; token dispenser; token reader; anddrive means,

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION

RVM Overview

FIG. 1 a illustrates in an exemplary embodiment a reverse vendingmachine (RVM) 1 embodying main inventive aspects of the presentinvention, i.e. object storage chamber 2; object supporting, rotating,sorting and conveyor unit 3; camera-aided detector device 4;supplementary item/object collector means 5; token dispenser 6; tokenreader 7, safety apparatus 8, and drive means 9; 9′. The unit 3 (laterdenoted as 200) could have to have its longitudinal axis 3′ horizontalor forming an angle α with the horizontal, yielding angle β in therange±0°-30°, as indicated on FIGS. 1 b and 1 c. In the more detaileddisclosure to follow, the operational means 2-9 just mentioned will forpractical reasons be denoted by other reference numerals. Direction isalso made to FIG. 51 showing the figure of FIG. 1 a, however with morereference numerals inserted to identify location of some of the variousoperational means which are extensively disclosed in the disclosure tofollow in connection with FIGS. 2-50.

Upwardly Oriented Storage

With reference to FIG. 2 a showing a principle drawing of a storagechamber according to the present invention, certain features relating tothe storage chamber and the principles of the invention will now beexplained. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the storagechamber has an elongated and vertically oriented shape, with bottom andside walls, wherein the side walls are spaced apart, preferablysufficiently to allow for a side-by-side storage of a plurality ofreturnable items. The storage chamber has an in-feed opening in thelower part of the chamber, preferably arranged in one of the side walls,and feeding of the storage is obtained by driving returnable objects oritems to be stored in the chamber into the storage chamber through thein-feed opening. By properly selecting the force by which the objects oritems are driven into the storage chamber, and preferably by applying aforced pushing or thrust mode drive, objects/items already positioned inthe storage chamber will be driven away from the in-feed opening andinto the interior or back of the chamber until the chamber has beenfilled to the level at which the in-feed opening is located, andthereafter driven upwards by further objects/items being driven into thechamber.

In the illustration of FIG. 2 a, the storage chamber 100 illustratingthe invention is provided with a bottom part 120 and a side wall 130,131 or 132, respectively, and an upper part 150. An in-feed opening 140is located in the lower part of one of the side walls. To allow thestorage space 110 to be safely emptied into removable transportcontainer (not shown), e.g. a large box, for removal of returnable items10 collected in the storage space or chamber 110, the bottom 120 can bemade movable or removable, or one of the side walls 130 can be mademovable such that items stored in the chamber or space 110 can beremoved therefrom. As the chamber is being filled by returnableobjects/items 10, it can be expected that the force applied to driveadditional objects/items 10 into the storage through the in-feed opening140 may give rise to some tension in the items already in the storage,due to other forces such as from friction or the weight of the storeditems 10. Tension or friction may typically result in problems whentrying to empty a filled storage space, for which reason a movableinterior wall 132 is proposed, such that, in the case where the bottompart 120 is adapted to be opened to empty the storage space, theinterior wall 132 may be moved in a direction away from the items 10already located in the storage room. Thus, the tension is relieved andfriction is reduced. This will allow for easy emptying of the storage.As the storage room becomes filled above the input opening, there is arisk that objects/items already positioned in the storage space may flowback through the in-feed or inlet opening. To stop such possibleback-flow, a back-flow blocking arrangement 170 is preferably providedin the area of the in-feed opening.

The storage space exhibits a width dimension 111 being a multiple of thewidth dimension 11 of a returnable item for storage in said upwardlyoriented storage, whereby a plurality of returnable items can beaccommodated substantially or at least in part side by side in theinterior space.

On FIG. 2 a, a conveyor 200 for feeding items into the storage 100 isshown. Exemplary embodiments of such conveyor will be described withparticular reference to FIGS. 8-24.

Although FIG. 2 a illustrates a theoretical side-by-side stacking ofreturned items 10 lowermost inside the storage, practical tests haveproved that the items in fact may be lying at least partly in a“criss-cross” manner, as indicated higher in the storage chamber. Thus,in general at least a partly “criss-cross” stacking will be presentthroughout the stacking in the chamber.

FIG. 2 b illustrates the use of an item or object compactor device 290between the conveyor 200 and the storage 100. The compactor device 290could be of any suitable type. In a particular exemplary embodiment itcould be in the form of a set of spike-provided chains in a wedge-likearrangement in order to provide gradually flattened and puncturedreturnable items. The use of a set of flattening rollers acting as acompactor device could also be envisaged, as well as other types ofwell-known compactors.

Although the conveyor 200 is included upstream of the compactor 290 onFIG. 2 b, it will be appreciated that in a particular embodiment thestorage 100 and the compactor 290 could be able to work without the useof the conveyor 200. In an alternative, as generally indicated on FIG. 2c, a conveyor could be included, as indicated on FIG. 2 b, or theconveyor needs not to be provided, or it could be operationallyintegrated with the compactor unit, the integrated unit being labeled291.

The compactor device 290 of FIG. 2 b indicates that it receivesreturnable items with the longitudinal axis of the item 10 in questiontransverse to the in-feed direction. The compactor device 291 shown onFIG. 2 c, is suitably of a type capable of receiving the returnable item10 with its longitudinal axis in the in-feed direction. This implieshowever that the transverse dimension 111 of the storage shouldpreferably be a dimension 11′ related to the compacted item 10′ whichexceeds at least a maximum longitudinal extent 11″ of an item 10 to becompacted.

It will be noted that when items are fed into the storage 100, aftercompaction, the orientation of the compacted items will be ratherarbitrary or highly in a “criss-cross” fashion, irrespective of whetherthe items where fed into the compactor in a transverse or longitudinaldirection.

Now, with reference to FIG. 3, an alternative storage chamber in-feedarrangement is explained. In the principle shown in FIG. 3, whencompared with the principle shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 c, the in-feed opening140 is no longer positioned in a side wall, but rather in a bottom part122 of the storage chamber 100. By this arrangement, items 10 to bestored will be provided with an upwardly directed movement or driveforce component as a result of the in part upwardly directed drivecomponent applied to drive items into the storage space. Similarly towhat is shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 c, there may be provided several optionsfor removing items stored in the storage space, such as by a movable orremovable bottom part 121, or by a side wall arrangement as shown by130, 131 or 132 in FIGS. 2 a-2 c. The storage chamber illustrated isadaptable to handle an overflow of stored items 10 by being providedwith an overflow opening 160 through which excess object/items due to anoverfilling of the storage space may exit from the storage chamber 110and thereby relieve the storage chamber 110 from possible additionalstress, as may result from further filling of the chamber by additionalitems 10 when the chamber has reached a point of maximum filling.

FIG. 4 illustrates in principle an expandable storage chamber for astorage facility according to the invention. The storage chamber mayhave any type of in-feed opening in its lower part as illustrated byFIGS. 2 a-2 c or 3 and is made expandable by a movable top section 151.Advantageously, by making the movable top section 151 from a lightweight material, the driving force applied to a returnable object/itemthat enters the storage space through the in-feed opening will besufficient to move the top section in an upward direction to allow anexpansion of the storage chamber. The upward movement of the top section151 can also be facilitated by mechanical, electrical, hydraulic orpneumatic means, to mention a few, such that the driving force appliedto an object or item 10 that enters the storage space can be kept at alevel that is independent of the design of or materials selected for thetop section.

FIG. 5 illustrates the principle of another alternative for providing anexpandable storage chamber, wherein the upper part 150 comprisesflexible members that by an upwards movement of the upper part and theconnected flexible members 152 will provide an increase of the storagespace as the storage fills with returned items. Advantageously, asexplained above with reference to FIG. 4, the top section and flexiblemembers preferably are made from light weight material, such that theupward movement required for expanding the storage chamber may befacilitated by the force applied when driving an element into thestorage space through the input in-feed opening. A vertical movement ofthe upper section and the flexible members 152 can be provided by othermeans, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic, tomention a few.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which provides an illustration of theprinciples of the present invention in a possible layout having multiplestorage chambers. The exemplary storage facility illustrated in FIG. 6,comprises as many as three storage chambers 110, 112 and 114,respectively, each having a respective in-feed opening positioned forbeing in communication with a conveyor 200 being capable of receiving anitem in an input receiving area 110 and conveying the received item 10to a selected one of in-feed openings 141, 142 and 143 (see alsoreference numerals 263, 264 and 265 with respect to the embodiments ofFIGS. 20-24 and 32) of the storage chambers 110, 112 and 114,respectively. The storage chamber 110 is provided with a cooperatingsupplementary storage space 161 in communication with the first storagechamber 110 by overflow openings 160 in the upper part of adjacent sidewalls. Storage chambers 110 and 112 have respective in-feed openings 141and 142 located in respective side walls in their lowermost parts, andare dimensioned appropriately to provide a filling of the respectivechamber in an upwardly direction when the appropriate item is driveninto the chamber through the respective in-feed opening. In the exampleof FIG. 6, storage chamber 110 has been provided with a deflector 180located inside the chamber and at an appropriate distance from thein-feed opening 141 to provide an upwardly directed force component toobjects/items being driven or forced into the storage space in aspecific direction, although the driving force may already have anupwardly directed drive component. Thus, the upwardly directed driveforces exerted on the item 10 as it enters the chamber may become moreconsistent, and also less dependent on the shape and nature of otheritems 10 already located in the storage. Advantageously, the deflectorcan be moveable, such as by being tiltable or even removable, to alloweasy and complete removal of all items held in the storage chamber whenthe storage chamber is to be emptied.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified variant of the layout depicted in FIG. 6, andwith a conveyor of a drum type that provides a highly compact facilityfor receiving, transporting, sorting and storage of returnable items.The arrangement shown in FIG. 7 is capable of sorting, conveying andstoring large quantities of returnable items while requiring a verysmall floor space, by employing the compact conveyor and sorter 200 andthe vertically oriented storage system of the present invention. Thus,the need for use of a separate lifting arrangement to fill from a lowlevel a tall storage space is being eliminated, such that in a practicalimplementation and embodiment the storage chamber may extend from anylevel and up to a ceiling above as desired, which is highly beneficialin a small business environment, like in a convenience store or a gasstation, where available floor space typically is quite limited. TheFIG. 7 embodiment provides for the additional storage or item collector114 below the conveyor and sorter 200. In the case of receivingreturnable items like bottles and cans, glass bottles could e.g. bedropped by gravity into the collector 114 when the conveyor and sorter200 has brought such a type of item to be just above a receiving openingof the collector 114.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment layout of the presentinvention that utilizes a highly compact drum based conveyor with asmany as three different storage chambers, denoted by 110, 112 and 114,for storing different types of returnable items 10. The conveyor 200 isadapted to receive items 10 in an input receiving area 210, and to moveand output the item, based on certain criteria and a decision made by acontroller that operates a drum drive unit, at either a first output 224for driving the item into a storage space 110, or to a second output,which is either the second output 226 for driving a received item 10into the related storage chamber 112, or the second output 226′ for, inthis particular embodiment, allowing also gravity to assist in movingthe item 10 from the conveyor to the related storage space 114. Thestorage space 114 is particularly useful for items to which a relativelyhigh driving force should not be applied, such as for example fragileglass items or heavy items, such as bottles that carry significantamounts of liquid contents, or for other reasons are found unsuitablefor being driven into one of the upright storage spaces 110 or 112 forelevated storing above the level of the input receiving area.

Although three storage chambers 110, 112 and 114 are shown on FIG. 8, ina practical embodiment with a rotary conveyor and sorter as depicted,only two storage chambers will be used e.g. 110, 112; 110, 114; or 112,114 with the related outputs 224, 226; 224, 226′; or 226; 226′.

In the layout of FIG. 8, the storage chamber 110 is provided with anoverflow opening that provides communication to a supplementary storagechamber 161. The facility layout shown provides a highly compact design,augmented by the use of the compact drum type conveyor means. For aperson who is to deposit a returnable object/item at the facility, thereis conveniently an input receiving area 210 located as shown in thelower half of the facility. The facility includes a returnableobject/item recognition unit 20, which can include, or be connected witha controller for controlling the operation of the conveyor 200. Therecognition unit 20 can be of an optical or acoustic type, or employother or supplementary technology, such as magnetic, mechanical orelectrical sensing to determine the type of returnable object/item 10that has been placed in the input receiving area 210, or to readinformation or identifying features (e.g. bar-code) carried by, orlocated on, the item 10. A preferred embodiment of a recognition unit isfurther disclosed in connection with FIGS. 25-42, and 46. In particular,with regard to the storage chambers 110; 112, by employing a movableside wall 130; 132 or a removable storage chamber 114, the storagechamber 114 can be extended to fill the unused space shown to appearbelow the first storage chamber 110. To facilitate easier filling of theupright oriented storage chambers 110 and 112, a deflector 180, such asis shown in FIG. 6, can also be included.

Rotary Drum Type Conveyor Means

Reference is made to FIG. 9, to explain the drum type conveyor of thepresent invention. The drum type conveyor includes a drum shaped elementthat is rotary about a central, longitudinal axis of rotation 221. Asubstantially rectangular and elongate recess-like space or cavity,being open at the peripheral area of the drum, is provided in the drum,for holding an elongate movable element which can be retracted andadvanced, the movable element having an outer surface that in theadvanced position preferably becomes substantially aligned with an outersurface of the drum. In the accompanying drawings, the movable elementis denoted by the numeral 223, and the space or cavity in the drum isdenoted by reference numeral 222. The rotational capability of the drum220 is obtained through use of bearings positioned in a region at eachend of the drum, and positioned on the axis of rotation 221. A part ofthe structure as shown in principle for example in FIG. 8, such as acabinet, can be adapted to hold the bearings in place, thereby allowingthe drum to rotate with its outer surface 228 in proximity to the inputreceiving area 210 which is made to coincide with an inlet opening 425(see FIG. 51) in the cabinet 250 (see FIG. 18), 428 (see FIG. 51). As analternative, as shown in FIG. 10 and in other drawing figures, the drum220 may be positioned in a frame 240 to form a conveyor assembly foreasy conveyor assembly removal for convenient conveyor cleaning, test,maintenance and replacement.

To ensure proper alignment and good fixation of the conveyor unit whenlocated in a storage facility according to the invention, the frame 240is suitably adapted to match a receiving frame 251 (FIG. 18) thatpreferably is part of a cabinet 250 (FIG. 18), 428 (FIG. 51), and whichfacilitates any of the possible layouts of a storage facility, asexemplified by several of the previous figures.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 10, 14 or 16, the moveable element 223 isdriven by way of a moveable element drive means comprising a tappet or aroller 232, being attached to the moveable element 223, that follows atrack 231 located proximal to an end of the drum and being stationary inrespect of the drum. By providing a tappet or roller 232 on each side ofthe moveable element, made to engage with respective stationary tracks231 located proximal to respective ends of the drum, a balanced drivingforce can be applied to the moveable element by the rotation of thedrum. Thus, only the drum will require a drive for the assembly tooperate as described here, as the moveable element will be driven by themovement of the drum relative to the stationary track. The shape of thetrack, i.e. the distance of the track from the axis of rotation of thedrum, controls the position of the tappet or roller 232, and, hence, theposition of the moveable element, in a radial direction with respect tothe drum center axis. The track is a single, continuous track 231followed by the tappet or roller means 232.

In FIG. 9, the drum 220 is shown in a first rotational position with themovable element in an advanced position and pointing downwards, and witha returnable object/item 10 entered into the input receiving space orarea 210 to be placed on an upward facing region of the outercircumferential surface 228 of the drum 220. In a preferable embodiment,the drum type conveyor includes an elongate roller 243, or other meansto allow rotation of the item while keeping the item in the inputreceiving area, to facilitate a rotation of a returnable object/item 10resting on the drum surface 228 as the drum 220 is put into rotationabout its axis of rotation 221. In particular, when the returnable itemis provided with a readable code for identification of the item or forproviding specific information about the container, rotation of theobject/item 10 will often be required to position the part of theobject/item 10 carrying the code such that it becomes readable, forexample by use of a reader or recognizing device 20 located to observethe input receiving area, as shown in FIG. 8. The drum type conveyor hasalso a guide 241, e.g. a curved plate member, that extends from the area210 to the output 224, as will be further explained in connection withFIG. 15. Further guides 241, e.g. as also shown on FIG. 15, could extendfrom the area 210 down to the output 226′.

FIG. 10 depicts in a perspective view the drum 220 in the firstrotational position as shown in FIG. 9 and with the returnable item 10resting on an upwardly facing part of the drum circumference. In theembodiment of FIG. 10, the conveyor is provided with a roller driving244 means for driving the roller 243 in conjunction with driving of thedrum, such that the surface velocity of the roller 243 is in a range ofa velocity of a rolling surface 228 of the drum when rotated.Preferably, the roller driving means 244 comprises a gear drivearrangement that mechanically provides a rotation of the roller 243 bythe rotation of the drum 220. Movement in an axial direction of areturnable object/item 10 being positioned in the input receiving areaand resting on the drum 220 and roller 243 is in part restricted by endwalls 229 associated with and located at each end of the drum 220, andin part by elements 242 that constitute the frame 240. Depending on thedesign of the means for driving the movable piston-like element 221between its retracted position and its advanced position, the conveyorshown in FIG. 10 can be provided with a single output 224, correspondingto only one particular angular drum rotary position, or with a secondoutput at a different angular rotary position of the drum.

In FIG. 11, the drum 220 is shown in a second rotational position withthe space or cavity opening in the drum facing the input receiving area,and with the movable element 223 moved to the retracted position. Thishas thereby allowed the returnable object/item 10, shown in FIG. 9 asresting on the circumferential drum surface 228, to fall into therecess-like space or cavity 222, as the drum is rotated to arrive at thesecond position after rotation from the first position, and be containedby the drum 220. The same situation is also shown in the perspectiveview of FIG. 12, which shows parts of interior side walls of the space222 and the drum end walls 229, which contribute to restrict a movementof the returnable object/item 10 such that it may not go beyond thespace provided by the cavity 222.

In FIG. 13, a partial sectional view of the drum type conveyor shows thedrum in a third angular position, where the movable element has beenmoved in a first and counter-clockwise direction from the retractedposition shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 to an advanced position to drive thereturnable item to the first output 224, preferably for the purpose ofdriving the object/item 10 towards the in-feed opening of a storagechamber 110. If driven in a second and clockwise direction to a secondoutput, which is either output 226 or output 226′, but not both, in-feedto a respective storage chamber 112 or 114 could be envisaged. The drumtype conveyor is provided with said guide 241 to restrict the item 10 toits location in the cavity 222 while the drum is being rotated from thesecond position with the space 222 facing the input receiving area 210to the third angular position where the opening of the cavity 222 isfacing the first output 224. The same situation is also shown inperspective view FIG. 14, with the opening of the cavity 222 alignedwith the first output 224 and with the movable element 223 in anadvanced position.

In FIG. 15, a partial cross sectional view of the drum type conveyorshows the situation based on the situation shown in FIG. 11, now withthe drum rotated in a second and opposite rotational direction(clockwise direction in the example), whereby the returnable object/item10 that was received in the space or cavity 222 when the drum was in itssecond rotational position has been carried by the drum through arotation of the drum through approximately 180° so that the drum assumesits first position as shown on FIGS. 9 and 10. The object/item is drivenout from the space 222 by the movable element 223 moving from aretracted position to an advanced position, but also by the effect ofgravity. A guide 241 is provided to restrict the movement of theobject/item 10 when held in the space 222 while the drum is beingrotated from the second rotational position with the space facing theinput receiving area 210 to the first rotational position with theopening of the space 222 and the curved face 223′ of the element 223being in register with the output 226′. The situation of FIG. 15 is alsoshown in the perspective view from below of FIG. 16, with the item 10exiting from the conveyor at the alternative output 226′.

For conveying an item 10 that has entered the recess-like space orcavity to one out of two possible outputs in a specific embodiment ofthe combined drum conveyor and sorter, different directions of rotationcan be used. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-16 of theaccompanying drawings, the drum would be rotated in a first direction(e.g. counter-clockwise, as shown) to deliver the item at the firstoutput 224, while a rotation in a second direction (e.g. clockwise, asshown) would be applied to the drum for delivering the item 10 at asecond output 226 or 226′.

Thus, in the present context, there are in effect four main rotarypositions of the drum 220:

-   -   a) the first rotary position with the recess 222 and the element        223 facing downwards;    -   b) the second rotary position with the recess 222 and the        element 223 facing upwards, thus facing the input receiving        area,    -   c) the third rotary position with the recess 222 and the element        223 facing the first output 224, and    -   d) the fourth rotary position with the recess 222 and the        element 223 facing the second output 226 or facing the        alternative second output 226′. If facing output 226′, the        fourth rotary position will in effect be the same as the first        rotary position.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, a load cell arrangement fordetermining a mass of a returnable item positioned on the drum typeconveyor of the invention will be explained. When positioned to rest onthe drum 220 or when rotating the drum 220 to spin the item 10, the item10 will also in part be resting on or rotating with the roller 243, ifsuch roller 243 is provided. Reference is also made to FIG. 9 to see howthe object/item 10 will be resting against the roller 243. For making adecision as to whether or not to accept the object/item 10 for storagein the facility according to the invention or to determine anappropriate storage chamber in an embodiment having multiple storagechambers, the mass of the object/item 10 should be determined. Tofacilitate a mass determination, the roller 243 is provided with atleast one bearing 245 support the roller shaft 247 at one end of theroller, which bearing 245 is connected to and supported by a load cell246. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the load cell 246 isattached to a frame 240 for the conveyor, while a further bearing 248 isprovided at an opposite end of the roller.

A second and alternative embodiment of a load cell arrangement of FIG.17 for determining a mass of a returnable object/item 10 resting on theroller 243 is depicted on FIG. 18. The arrangement includes a bearing252 to be applied to one end of the roller shaft 247 when the conveyoris positioned in a cabinet 250. In this particular embodiment, the shaft247 is partly free to move about in a plane perpendicular, suitablyvertically, relative to the roller's 243 axis of rotation, and with thebearing 252 applied to the end part of the shaft 247 of the roller 243after positioning the drum type conveyor in the cabinet 250. 251 denotesan electrical connection to the load cell 253. Thus, in FIG. 18, theremovable bearing 252 and its associated load cell 253 is shown in adetached position, while, in FIG. 19, the cabinet arm 250′ holding thebearing 252 has been relocated to a position where the bearing 252engages the bearing receiving end of the roller shaft 247 to provide abearing with a load cell 253 referenced to the cabinet 250 or to theframe 240. The embodiments of FIG. 17-19 are particularly advantageousto avoid as far as possible the risk that remaining liquid contents inreturnable objects/items 10 that are positioned on top of the conveyortypically can be spilled, as such spillage will likely require morefrequent removal of the conveyor assembly from the cabinet than normallyfor cleaning away spilling of such unwanted liquid. Also, the use of theload cell prevents an RVM user from being successful with a swindleattempt by entering a full, unopened beverage container into thereceiving area and place on top of the drum. The detection system 20(see FIG. 8) will—as to be explained later—according to predetermineddata determine that a specific observed and recognized item should havea specific weight or weight range. If the item is a full beverage can orbottle, the RVM will determine that there is a potential swindlesituation and may trigger an alarm. Furthermore, in the embodimentshown, the drive means for operating the conveyor is separable from thedrum type conveyor itself (as will be explained later), such that, byremoving the conveyor from the storage facility assembly, the load cellwill remain at the facility (i.e. located on the cabinet arm 250′) andthus be protected from being subject to possibly harmful cleaning agentsand water that typically would be used for cleaning the conveyor. If theload cell is located on the frame 240 of the conveyor, as depicted onFIG. 17, special measures must be taken to ensure that the load cell isnot damaged in any washing or cleaning operation of the conveyor 200.Thus the embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19 would be the preferredembodiment.

Plunger-Type Conveyor Means

In the following, a piston-like moveable plunger in a stationaryhousing-type of conveyor part of the present invention will beexplained.

Reference is first made to FIG. 20, which in principle shows a firstembodiment of a substantially linearly moveable plunger in a stationaryhousing type conveyor, as comprising an elongated housing 260 with aninput opening 262 on one side adapted to face the input receiving area210 of the storage facility, an interior space 261, a substantiallylinearly movable plunger or slide member 270, a first output 263 and asecond output 264. Although exemplified here with a housing based on astraightforward design for a rectilinear movement of the plunger, thehousing may be designed to be curved in any direction to allow an outputin an arbitrarily chosen angle. With a housing having a curved shape,naturally, the plunger would follow a curved path corresponding to theshape of the housing. Also shown in FIG. 20, is an elongated slot 272 inone side of the housing, which is provided as an access means forallowing a plunger drive means (not shown) to be attached to the plunger270 for positioning of the plunger in different parts of the interiorspace 261. Such a slot can be provided at any longitudinally extendingside of the housing, and also at more than one side to provide abalanced drive force to the plunger. In FIG. 20 is also shown areturnable object/item 10 which has been positioned in the inputreceiving area, and which by the aid of gravity and the provision of theinput opening 262 will fall into the interior space 261 of the housing,and thereby become located adjacent to the plunger 270 when the plungerinitially has been positioned in a first position which is below theopening 262.

In a preferred embodiment of the conveyor and sorter of the presentinvention, as shown on FIGS. 20 and 21, embodying the moveable plungerin a stationary housing type conveyor, the conveyor suitably includes anitem turning device, preferably using at least one roller 273 orpreferably two rollers 273, 273′ if two outputs 263, 264 are two beused. The device is located adjacent the input opening 262. The upperside face 271 of the plunger, i.e. the side of the plunger that will befacing the input opening 262, has a surface structure that is speciallyprepared to provide good friction against a returnable object/item 10that has been deposited in the input receiving area and brought to reston the upper side face 271 of the plunger. A rotation of the object/item10 that rests on the upper side face 271 of the plunger 270 is thenobtainable by movement of the plunger 270 while the object/item 10 isresting on top of the plunger 270, which rotation is further augmentedby the rollers 273, 273′. The rollers 273, 273′ also cause theobject/item 10 to not move away from the opening 262 while rotated or ifthe longitudinal axis 260′(see FIGS. 21 and 23) of the housing forms anangle with the horizontal. The upper side face 271 of the plunger 270can be extended in any direction of movement of the plunger 270, toobtain a desired range of turning of the item 10 that rests on the upperside face 271 of the plunger 270. Although just one roller 273 maysuffice, a preferred embodiment of the plunger type conveyor and sorterhas two rollers 273, 273′, one at each side of the input opening 262, tofacilitate rotation of the item 10 in any direction in connection with amovement of the plunger 270 in the longitudinal direction of the housing260. The rollers are rotatably supported at each end by mountings 275.The rollers 273; 273′ can be freely rotatable, or they can be driven bya driver arrangement 274 by way of a separate drive means or by alinkage to the plunger 270 or the driver for the plunger. Preferably,but not necessarily, the drive means 274; 274′, e.g. a motor inside theroller, is arranged such that a surface velocity of the roller 273during its rotation is about the same as the surface velocity of theupper face 271 of the plunger 270, relative to the housing 260 as theplunger 270 is moved in the housing 260. In order to obtain a measurefor the mass of a returnable object/item 10 resting on the plunger 270,any roller arrangement 273 can include a load cell 276 suitablysupporting the roller at one end thereof in order to measure a reactionforce exerted on the roller as a function of an acceleration or turningof the object/item 10 due to movement of the plunger 270, or a reactionforce due to the weight of the item 10, in particular if longitudinalaxis of the housing 260 is made to tilt, e.g. in the range of ±0°-30°relative to the horizontal.

In a next step of operation of the linear movement type conveyor, whenthe upper face 271 of the plunger has moved away from the opening 262either towards output 263 or 264, the returnable object/item 10 willenter into the interior space 261, the plunger 270 will then uponmovement in an opposite direction apply a driving force to theobject/item 10 to drive it towards and through e.g. the first output 263if the plunger at first had moved away from the opening 262 towardsoutput 264, or towards and through e.g. the second output 264 if theplunger had at first moved away from the opening 262 towards output 263.In either case the plunger 270 would preferably force the item, towardsan in-feed opening 140 (see FIG. 2 a) or an in-feed opening 141 or 142(see FIG. 6) of a storage chamber of a storage facility as disclosedherein.

Now, with reference to FIG. 22, a further variant of the conveyor andsorter of the type having the moveable plunger in a stationary housingwill be explained, this embodiment exhibiting three outputs. In thisvariant, at least three positions for the plunger element in the housingare defined, namely with the plunger positioned immediately under theinput opening 262, with the plunger positioned toward a first output 263in the first movement direction of the plunger 270, and a furtherposition where the plunger has been moved near a second output 264. Forthe sake of clarity, the rollers 273, 273′ have not been shown on FIG.22, but the rollers will preferably be present in a practicalembodiments. The variant shown in FIG. 22 includes a third output 265 ofthe housing, the third output being located opposite to and below theinput opening 262 in the bottom of the housing 260. Preferably, thethird output 265 includes a closing means 265′ which is shown on FIG.23, but not on FIG. 22. The closing means 265 is capable of controllablyblocking the output 265 such that an object/item 10 that has entered theinterior space 261 of the housing 260 selectively can be kept fromexiting the housing through the output 265 if the object/item 10 isinstead to be directed towards a different output, e.g. output 263 or264. The means 265′ for selectively closing the third output 265 can bemade operational by way of a separate driver or actuator 265″, e.g. asolenoid, or by a linkage to the plunger 270, for example by placing theoutput in an open state when the plunger is placed in an extremeposition within the housing, such as for example in connection with amovement of the plunger beyond the position of the plunger 270 as shownin e.g. on FIG. 22. By the depositing of an object/item 10 in the inputreceiving area 210 immediately above the input opening 262, and with thethird output 265 in an open state, and by locating the plunger 270 in aposition where it does not block a passage provided between the input262 and the third output 265 by the interior space 261 of the housing,the object/item 10 is allowed to pass through the opening 262, theinterior of the housing 260 and then exit through the opening 265. Theexit of the item 10 after having traveled straight through the housingfrom the input 262 to the output 265 is shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 illustrates how the plunger 270 may be used to rotate theobject/item 10, e.g. a bottle, by moving the plunger either way, therollers 273, 273′ assisting a safe and efficient rotation of the item10. The understanding of FIG. 24 as regards rotation of the item 10before it enters into the interior 261 of the housing 260 will be thesame, irrespective of the presence of the output 265. In effect, thethree-outputs embodiment could be made instead as a two-outputsembodiment, having e.g. outputs 263 and 264, outputs 263 and 265 oroutputs 264 and 265.

Single Camera Viewing Device

FIG. 25 depicts a first light source 300 and a second light source 301,the light source 301 suitably consisting of a plurality of lightsub-sources 302, 303, 304, 305. The light sources 300 and 301 areseparately configured to illuminate a first region 306 and a secondregion 307 of an object, e.g. a returnable item 10; 10′; 10′, 10′″. Asingle camera 308 is provided to view at least part of the regions 306and 307. The first light source 300 is configured to assist the camera308 in viewing of contour of objects, items or articles 10, 10′, 10′,10′″ of different cross section, e.g. empty beverage packaging such ascans and bottles against a light reflective area or background 313forming a bright, light emitting background. The light from the firstlight source 300 is directed towards the object (e.g. one of thoselabeled 10 through 10′″) as parallel light using a lens 314. The secondlight source 301 is configured to assist camera viewing by the camera308 for detection and recognition of any identity features located onthe object in viewing sector labeled 315.

Said identity features are suitably at least one of: bar code, graphicsymbol and alphanumeric characters.

Although it would be feasible to use two cameras instead of a singlecamera, the use of a single camera yields less technical complexity, asimpler and more maintenance friendly structure, in addition torequiring less space in order to carry out the required functions.Further, from a components cost aspect and installation cost, theinvention also offers a substantial advantage over a two-camerasolution.

When a camera views e.g. an object contour or identifying featuresthereon, the camera sensor matrix provides a string of matrix pixelsignals to be processed in order to identify or recognize such contouror features, including the possibility of letting the camera read andcausing identification of e.g. a bar code.

As seen from FIGS. 25-28, the first light source 300 illuminates thefirst region 306 via a light path which includes an optical beamsplitter (or view splitter) 316 (FIGS. 25 and 26), 318 (FIG. 27) or 319(FIG. 28), at least one inclined mirror 320 and the lens 314. However,it is noted that in the most preferred versions, there is suitably usedtwo mirrors 320 and 321, as shown on FIGS. 25-27, in the light path.

FIGS. 25, 26 and 28 depict a light beam splitter 316; 319 located in aninclined posture in the camera field of view 322 and covers at leastpart of said field of view, suitably approximately half of the camerafield of view. FIG. 27 depicts an optical beam splitter 318 which coversthe complete camera field of view.

It is seen from FIGS. 25-28 that camera viewing of the first region 306via one mirror 320 or two mirrors 320, 321 is suitably made with line ofsight towards the object shifted by an angle α of 90°±30° relative tocamera line of sight towards the object when viewing the second region307. In the drawing FIGS. 25-28 the angle α is shown as 90°. However, byarranging the mirrors 320, 321 differently, it is evident that the anglerange of 90°±30° is possible.

In the case that there is used an optical beam splitter 316 or 319 whichis within only half or less of the camera field of view, there is thepossibility that when the camera is set to view the second region orpart thereof, the splitter is suitably assisted by a vision blocker 323;324 to prevent the camera from viewing both directly in the sector 315and through the splitter, the splitter providing a less clear viewing.If the vision blocker 323; 324 is omitted, then the camera will be ableto view the entire region 307.

FIG. 27 shows the camera in a configuration set to view the secondregion 307 completely via the beam splitter 318. This implies that thecamera 308 views either the first region 306 via the splitter, themirrors 321, 320 and the lens 314, and secondly the second region 307through the splitter. In this latter situation, the light source 301 isfully or partly activated, and the light source 300 is deactivated.

The light source 301, suitably comprising a plurality of lightsub-sources 302-305, is notably located in a region between the beamsplitter 316; 318; 319 and an object supporting means in the form ofsaid compact conveyor and sorter 200. In the embodiments shown on FIGS.25, 28-30, the object supporting means 200 is shown only schematically,but in more detail on FIG. 26. A more detailed operation of the objectsupporting means 200 and a possible, schematically shown alternative onFIG. 32, is disclosed in the preceding disclosure of FIGS. 1-24.

It will now be briefly highlighted some of the earlier disclosedfeatures of the object supporting means 200 in a specific context ofcamera aided viewing of an object, e.g. the object 10, located on theobject supporting means 200, said supporting means is in the form of therotary drum 220 (see FIG. 26) with the auxiliary roller 243. The drum220 and the roller 243 will controllably, but forcibly rotate the object10 on a portion 220′ or 220″ of the circumference of the drum. The drum220 has at least one radial inwardly directed, adjustable space orcavity 222 for receiving the object 10 after its rotation on saidcircumference portion and for transporting the object 10 throughrotation of the drum to an output location, e.g. at generally indicatedby arrows 224, 226 and 226′. The camera 308 will be able to view andcause detection of the presence of the object 10 when it has droppedinto the adjustable space 222. This has a safety function aspect andalso a security function aspect, i.e. to prevent any swindle attempt.This means that the drum 220 will not start turning until the camera 308actually observes and causes detection of the object being present inthe space 222 and with the movable element 223 operating as a movablebottom in its fully retracted state.

The direction which the drum will then turn is determined by setcriteria which are compared to recognize characteristic features of theobject. This will be more fully explained and considered in connectionwith the disclosure of FIG. 38. Further, in case the contour of theobject is to be viewable from above, rather than sideways, it would beadvantageous to let at least a part of the rotary drum 220 be providedwith a coating which is retro-reflective to light, in particular at theportions labeled 220′ and 220″ of the drum 220. Such a situation is inparticular suitable in connection with the embodiment shown on FIG. 29and will be further explained later.

A brief repeated disclosure is now made of the alternative supportingmeans as shown on FIGS. 20-24 in the context of camera aided viewing ofan object 10. The single camera is generally denoted by 308, 308′, thereference 308′ symbolizing viewing by the camera 308 via e.g. a beamsplitter 318 and mirrors 321, 320 (see FIG. 27). Said supporting meansis suitably in the form of the housing 260 forming a guide with anobject receiving input opening 262 and a reciprocating plunger or 270therein. There is suitably at one or both of two longitudinal sides ofthe opening 262 an auxiliary roller 273; 273′ for roller support uponrotation of the object or item 10; 10′; 10″; 10′″ on the plunger 270when it is set to move with its upper surface 271 past said opening,thus enabling the camera 308 to read an identifying feature on theobject or item 10 if not immediately viewable by the camera. The plunger270 is controllable to move beyond said opening 262, e.g. to theposition shown by dotted lines 270″ to allow the object to drop into theinterior of the housing 260 through said opening 262 and by returnmovement of the plunger 270 (towards left as shown on FIG. 32) causingthe object to be pushed out of the housing to an output location 263.From the understanding and concept depicted in connection with thesupporting means 200 on FIG. 26, it is readily appreciated that theobject 10 is camera observable while at a location inside said housing260 below said opening 262, provided that such location is in at leastpart of a field of view of the camera 308. In a particular embodiment,at least at the upper part 271 of the plunger 270 can be provided with acoating retro-reflective to light, thus enabling the contour of theobject, e.g. 10, to be viewed from above.

FIG. 29 shows the use of a single camera 340 and with an optical beamsplitter 341 inclined relative to a lens 343. A light source 342provides for illumination of the object, e.g. 10, through lens 343 toprovide parallel light rays towards the supporting means 200, which hasits drum parts 220′ and 220″ (see FIG. 26) provided withretro-reflective material or property enabling light not hit by theobject to be retro-reflected back to camera 340 via the lens 343 and thesplitter 341 to provide an image of the contour of the object. When itis desirable to view and read identifying features on the object, suchas e.g. bar-code, a light source 344 is activated, the light sourcesuitably being of the same type as the light source 301. At the sametime, light source 342 may be deactivated, if required.

FIG. 30 shows an embodiment which in operation is similar to that ofFIG. 29. A single camera 345 is used with an optical beam splitter 346inclined relative to a lens 347. A light source 348 provides forillumination of the object, e.g. 10, through lens 347 to provideparallel light rays towards a light reflective background or area 313enabling light not hit by the object to be retro-reflected back tocamera 345 via the lens 347 and the splitter 346 to provide an image ofthe contour of the object. When it is desirable to view and read (ordetect) identifying features on the object, such as e.g. bar code, alight source 349 is activated, the light source suitably being of thesame type as the light source 344, i.e. comprising a plurality of lightsub-sources. At the same time the light source 349 is activated, lightsource 348 may be deactivated, if required. FIG. 31 is a modification ofthe embodiment of FIG. 30, the major difference being the non-existenceof the lens 347, thus yielding that the object contour is not viewed bymeans parallel light rays.

FIGS. 25-28 clearly demonstrate that the first and second regions 306,307 are partly overlapping, and FIGS. 29-31 indicate full overlapping.

FIG. 33 is identical to the embodiment shown on FIG. 25, apart from thelight source 300 and the retro-reflective background 313 having beendeleted and replaced by a light emitting, illuminated or backlit panel350, the panel 350 thus forming a bright background. Ambient light mayin some applications be sufficient in order that the camera views abright background.

The panel 350 will provide the bright background against which e.g. theobject 10 is to be viewed by the single camera 308.

A similar situation is present with the embodiment of FIG. 34, which isidentical to the embodiment shown on FIG. 27, apart from the lightsource 300 and the retro-reflective background area 313 having beendeleted and replaced by a light emitting area, suitably in the form ofthe panel 350 to form a bright background against which e.g. the object10 is to be viewed by the single camera 308 to provide for e.g.detection of object contour.

The further embodiments depicted on FIGS. 35 and 36 are also related tothe use of a light emitting panel 350 to form said bright background andagainst which camera viewing of an object can be made, as will befurther explained.

FIG. 35 is a modification of the embodiments of FIG. 30. It is notedthat the lens 353, which is suitably of same type as lens 347 in FIG. 30or lens 314 in other drawing figures, is present in order to let asingle camera 356 view and detect object contour, e.g. contour of object309 against the panel 350 which in this embodiment constitutes the firstlight source. The second light source is that labeled 349, which couldbe constituted by two or more light sub-sources. The camera 356 uses thelens 347 to enable viewing through use of parallel rays, in order to getas accurate contour image of the object as possible. The light source349 is activated when the camera is to view and read identity features,like e.g. bar code 309′, located on the object. Suitably, panel 350 isthen not exhibiting a light emitting surface or background area, or itslight emitting intensity could suitably be reduced. Other structuraldetails shown on FIG. 35 will be further explained later with referenceto FIG. 39.

FIG. 36 is an embodiment with a single camera 358 which is capable ofviewing an object, e.g. an empty beverage bottle or can 10; 10′; 10″ or10′″ against a light emitting background area, such as the panel 350 asdescribed earlier. In order for the camera 358 to view and readidentifying features located on the object, e.g. a bar-code 10″″ onobject 10, it is preferable to use a second light source 359. When thelight source 359 is activated, it would be preferable, though notessential, to reduce light intensity from the panel 350 or even turn offemission of light from the panel 350. The light source 359, which issimilar or identical to the light source 349, could be constituted bytwo or more sub-sources.

From a viewing of FIGS. 33-36 it will be appreciated that turning of theobject to be inspected, e.g. to suitably find an identifying feature tobe detected, is made by means of the object supporting means 220, 220,243 or 260, 262, 270, 271, 273, 273′ as shown on in more detail on FIGS.26 and 32, respectively.

Further, it could be of advantage to let the first and second lightsources, e.g. 300, 301; 300′, 301; 342, 344; 348, 349; 350, 301; 350,354; 350, 349; 350, 359 have different spectral range or composition.Also, it would be possible to have the second light sources 301; 344;349; 359 composed of two or more sub-sources. Further, the sub-sourcescould have different spectra range or composition, either all different,different in pairs or in groups. Such features of the light sources andpossible sub-sources are of importance to be able to detect e.g.identifying features on the objects appearing e.g. with differentcolours, different reflective properties etc.

Further aspects of the invention are now to be explained with referenceto FIG. 37. In the particular case of the embodiments of FIGS. 25, 26and 28, as well as FIG. 33, it would be suitable to split the cameravideo image in two with a part 360 related to the first region 306 andanother part 361 related to the second region 307. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 27 and 34 it may be visualized the possibility of dedicating halfof the camera video image to region 306 and the other half to region307, or alternatively have alternating full video images of regions 306and 307. For the embodiments of FIGS. 29, 30 and 36 the choice isalternating full video images only.

Camera viewing of the first region of the object 362 related to itscontour 363 can in addition include observation or rather recognition ofmere presence or absence of said identifying features 364, e.g. bar codelocated on the object.

The focus of the camera will not be exactly on the features 364, but thecamera will at least sense or detect with relation to the partial image360 whether the features 364, here labeled 364′ are indeed present ornot, although on the partial image 360 appearing “blurred” or a bit outof focus. If the features 364 are not visible on the image part 361, butvisible on part 360, this will indicate necessity to rotate the objectone way or the other through a maximum angle of 180°. The comparisonbetween the two images 360 and 361 in this respect has some impact onthe required amount of rotation of the object in order to be able toview and read the feature 364 properly in region 307, and consequentlyhas also importance with regard to processing time in order to find thefeature 364, read and record it.

When using in this manner a single camera for camera viewing of bothsaid first and second regions, the camera has preferably, but notnecessarily its image field subdivided into said at least two partialimages 360, 361, the first partial image 360 being dedicated to objectcontour detection and/or detection of presence or absence of saididentifying features, and the second partial image 361 being dedicatedto observation and reading of said identifying features.

It is readily understood that the principle of detecting presence orabsence of identifying features in region 306 and the need for rotationof the object is equally well useful when the camera switches betweenviewing regions 306 and 307.

Operational Safety Means

As indicated in the introductory part of the specification it isimportant also to focus on safety aspects when using an apparatus asextensively disclosed in the present specification and on the drawings,in particular to avoid injury to persons operating the apparatus or toavoid functional breakdown or jamming of the apparatus.

Therefore, the invention is in this aspect focused on implementation ofsafety measures which are provided from actions obtained by operating ahardware circuit which is adapted to read predefined or dedicated pixelson the sensor matrix of the camera, i.e. reading hardware assignedphysical pixels of the camera sensor matrix when a camera image is made.

This will yield a reliable safety measure related to possibleoperational hazards, thus e.g. preventing a motor from operating throughhalting its rotation or removing current supply thereto to therebyremove its torque.

This aspect of the invention is therefore through use of camerafunctionality able to provide an efficient hardware implemented lightcurtain functionality, as will be more closely explained in thefollowing description with reference to FIGS. 37 a, 37 b, 37 c, 40 a, 40b and 46.

In the present embodiment there is used a camera image, such as e.g.image 360 or 385 for detection of so-called “border crossing”, i.e. anevent in a field of view of the camera.

As indicated above, it is important to provide for personnel or anoperator (e.g. a supermarket customer) operational safety of anapparatus, e.g. a reverse vending machine, and also protect in suchapparatus machinery, having movable parts, against externally createdinterference that could cause operational damages or personal injuries,or operational or personal hazard. With a light curtain functionality itis possible to disable operation or stop the machinery altogetherimmediately and inhibit further operation until the cause of suchoperational disruption has been attended to.

With reference to FIGS. 40 a and 40 b, as well as FIGS. 37 a and 37 bthere is on the bright or light emitting background 313; 350 located atleast one array or column 385 of repeatedly occurring dark markings385′, e.g. black squares at an in-feed region receiving objects indirection 388 at which objects are fed into the apparatus for viewing,detection, turning and sorting, as previously disclosed. Further, theremay on the background 313; 350 be located at least one array or row 385″of repeatedly occurring dark markings 385′″. At least one such row maybe useful if the entry or in-feed region causes objects to be fed in adirection 388′. However, if the insertion opening 425 is so configuredthat it may be possible for a human hand to be inserted there-throughand into the viewing chamber, so as to move into the viewing chamberessentially from above and thereby avoid obscuring viewing of the array385, the array 385″ is present to assist in providing additional lightcurtain functionality.

It has also been indicated by dotted lines on FIG. 40 a that e.g. twocolumns of markings and two rows of markings could be possible, althoughthe number of rows and/or columns could be more than two.

Alternative or supplementary to the interspaced markings 385′, 385′″indicated on FIG. 40 a, there could be located markings 395, 396 and 397in the form of solid lines, as indicated on FIG. 40 b.

It is possible to have a column or row configuration of markings or ajoint column and row configuration.

FIG. 37 a exhibits two half-images 360 and 361, as previous discussed,whereas FIG. 37 b exhibits a generalized full image 386 as provided bythe available pixels on a camera image sensor matrix 401′ (see FIG. 37c). The dotted line 387 and/or 387′ on FIG. 37 b (not shown on FIG. 37 afor clarity reason) denotes, relative to the camera image, a fraction orfractions of matrix pixels being a selected part of the available sensormatrix pixels. Said fraction 387 of sensor matrix pixels is dedicated todetection of the array or column of markings, as well as any eventsobservable by said fraction of pixels and which could trigger an action,such as stopping operation of a motor, e.g. motor 404 or 422 withreference to FIGS. 46, 47, 48, 49 and 51. Similarly, said fraction 387′of sensor matrix pixels is dedicated to detection of the array 385″ orrow of markings, as well as any events observable by said fraction ofpixels and which could trigger an action, such as stopping operation ofa motor, e.g. motor 404 or 422 with reference to FIGS. 46, 47, 48, 49and 51. As indicated above, the arrays 385 and 385″ of markings 385′ and385′″ could both be present, yielding that both fractions 387 and 387′will be active for detection of markings and observable events.

A background area 314; 350 is located in the camera field of view, andas shown on e.g. FIG. 40 a, said background area in a part thereofexhibits the array 385 of distinguished markings 385′.

As indicated on e.g. FIGS. 26 and 40 a, and derivable from FIG. 46, thebackground area 313; 350 is located in a camera viewing chamber of areverse vending machine. The chamber or input receiving area 210 (FIGS.6-9) has entry opening (see 425 on FIG. 46) into which an object 10 inthe form of an empty beverage container to be viewed by the camera, isinsertable. From FIG. 40 a is noted that the array 387 of markings islocated at an entry opening or region 425 of said viewing chamber 210.The in-feed direction for objects is indicated by reference numeral 388on FIG. 37 b. As indicated on FIGS. 37 a, 37 b and 40 a the array ofmarkings is in a predefined pattern, suitably a column 385 of mutuallyspaced markings 385′. However, as disclosed above there could be as analternative or in combination with the pattern 385 an additionalpredefined pattern 385″ of mutually spaced markings 385′″ extending ase.g. an upper row, to provide an addition light curtain and to safeguardagainst any safety hazards caused by someone trying to put e.g. a handinto the viewing chamber from above, as e.g. indicated by referencenumeral 388′.

As indicated above, the fraction 387 and/or fraction 387′ of sensormatrix pixels 401′ in the camera 400 will be dedicated to providing animage of said markings 385′ and/or 385′″ against said background area.The fraction 387 and/or fraction 387′ of pixels will be readable by anoperating unit 408, the response of which is dictated by its hardwarefunctions and inputs to the unit 408. The operating unit 408 isoperatively linked with the camera 401 to read said fraction of sensormatrix pixels. Further, the operating unit 408 is linked to a digitalprocessing and control unit 400, said unit 400 controlling operation ofthe camera, i.e. when a camera image is to be taken.

The operating unit has a set of stored reference pixel signal valueswhich are respectively related to pixels in said fraction of sensormatrix pixels, and which are related to said background area 313; 350and said array 387 of distinguished markings thereon.

The operating unit 408 is capable of comparing a read pixel signal valuefrom a respective pixel in said fraction of pixels with correspondingreference signal value assigned to such respective pixel, and to outputrespective comparison signal, however said operating unit 408 having anoutput 408′; 408″ capable of changing signal state of delivered signal393, suitably into a disabling or deactivating signal when saidcomparison signal or for that matter a set of such comparison signalsdeparts from a predefined condition.

The signal 393, when in a disabling or deactivating state, is effectiveto cause disablement or halted operation of functional equipment 404;422 having movable parts, e.g. a motor and its motor controlled parts.In a preferred mode of the invention, the operating unit 408 will, whenthe comparison satisfies the predefined condition, provide a signal 393which enables the equipment to remain in operation. Such equipment coulde.g. be found in a reverse vending machine as disclosed in thedescription and shown on the drawings.

As indicated above, the operating unit 408 is made to execute hardwarefunctions, and the operating unit can be of a logic network of a typewell known to any skilled person in the art and connected to execute therequired functions. The operating unit can made from a plurality ofdiscrete functional building blocks or a single integrated circuit (IC)as an application specified integrated circuit (ASIC), e.g. as aso-called Gate Array, or as an implementation in a programmable circuit,so-called Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

The operating unit 408 may include a watchdog timer 403 which isdesigned to check that reading of pixel signals from said fraction ofpixels and comparison with reference pixel signal values are made at aminimum rate of iteration. The reading of pixels is initiated from theprocessing and control unit 400. If said minimum rate of iteration isbelow a set value, the operating unit 408 may output said signal 393 ina state thereof causing disablement or shut-down of operation ofequipment controlled by the unit 408.

The signal 393 in a deactivating state will normally be present untilsuch a point of time when a new surveillance image taken meets allpreset criteria for not issuing such deactivation type of signal.

In order to provide proper operation, it is considered that there shouldbe a synchronization of the camera and a light source providing a brightor illuminated background area. Preferably there is used a lightreflective material 313 at the camera field of view onto which said darksquares 385′ have been applied. However, if the background 350 is aback-lit or illuminated panel, it could be visualized synchronizedoperation thereof with the operation of the camera.

In order to provide a proper safety function, it is appreciated thatsurveillance images of the chamber or area 210 will have to be generatedfrequently. Using the camera 401, it will by means of the operating unit408 and with aid of the unit 400 be checked first if a complete brightline exists, i.e. all matrix pixel values above a predefined dark levelthreshold. If this is the case, there will be a search for alternatingdark and bright areas along a predefined column, such as column 385. Ina preferred embodiment, the detected image of dark areas 385′ should bewithin minimum and maximum length requirements to pass acceptance.Further, the bright areas must be of a minimum length before accepted.Also, the image must end with an accepted bright area. Finally, anaccumulated number of accepted dark areas must equal a predefinednumber.

FIG. 37 c is a system block diagram specifically related to the lightcurtain functionality, and should be considered essentially as part ofthe block schematic shown on FIG. 46. The camera 401 is controlled by adigital processor 400 associated with the operating unit. This processoris in FIG. 46 denoted as a processing and control unit 400. Line 389denotes camera control, and the camera delivers image data signals online 390 to the operating device 408. The operating device 408 has awatchdog timer 403 connected thereto. The unit 400 suitably controlstriggering of camera imaging, as well as synchronization of the cameraand any background illumination. Image data are conveyed from theoperating unit 408 to the processor 400 via line 392, and the processor400 provides the operating unit 408 with certain control signals vialine 392. The processor 400 is suitably the main processor of theoverall system, although this is not necessarily so.

Most importantly, to avoid the drawbacks known from prior art and asmentioned in the introduction, the dedicated set of sensor matrix pixelsforming a fractional part of the total number of sensor matrix pixels isnot selected through use of software, but is instead related to alimited number of physical pixels or elements on the camera image sensormatrix. As the light curtain function is important from an operationalsafety point of view, it is therefore absolutely essential that thelight curtain function is not at all software based.

From FIG. 38 it is noted that the bright background 313; 350 has anaperture 365 therein in order to let the camera read via said apertureilluminated marking 366 on a token 367 to be dispensed in a controlledmanner. Such token 367 is configured to be related to observed objects,e.g. 10; 10′; 10″; 10′″ which are supported and to be removed by anobject supporting means, e.g. of a type shown on FIG. 26 or FIG. 32.

Suitably, said camera is configured to alternately, selectively orrepeatedly a) cause detection of object contour, said light curtainrelated markings 385′ and 385′″ and events related thereto, and saidtoken marking 366, and b) cause reading of identifying features, e.g.10″″ or 364 located on the object 10; denoted on FIG. 37 a by reference362.

All embodiments of FIG. 25-36 can be used with the light curtainfunction, but the light curtain functionality according to the inventionis not limited to the configuration shown on these drawing figures.

A Token System

As noted from FIGS. 26, 35, 38, 40 a, 40 b, 41 and 42 the backgroundarea, e.g. 313 or 350 may have an aperture 365 therein in order to allowthe camera which views the first region 306 to detect illuminated,pre-printed or pre-provided marking 366 on a token 367 which is arrangedto be dispensed in a controlled manner from stack of tokens. Such atoken could be related to information such as both a token serial numberand a return or redemption value of an object or objects which have beenviewed and considered by an RVM. On image part 360 it is indicated howthe camera may view such marking, denoted by 366′ through the viewableaperture 365′.

In order to obtain an efficient reading of such marking 366 withoutusing an additional light source, the markings on the tokens aresuitably made from a retro-reflective material. Alternatively, the tokenitself could be made from a retro-reflective material and the markingsin such a case from non-retro-reflective material.

As shown on FIGS. 38, 41 a and 42 said markings are camera readable viaa mirror 368 located adjacent the aperture 365 in background area 313;350. This may be a practical solution if tokens, e.g. in the form ofcards, are dispensable from a dispenser unit 369. If cards are merely tobe inserted into a guide 370 in the front of a RVM (see FIGS. 26 and 41b) to be read by the camera and then withdrawn, the card guide may belocated at the back of the light reflective area 313 or the panel 350,so as to place the card with its face having markings 366 parallel tothe back of the area 313 or panel 350.

In case a light emitting background panel 350 is used, the panel 350constitutes the first light source which is primarily dedicated toassist camera viewing of object contour. However, light from the secondlight source will not necessarily impinge upon the marking 366 of atoken 367 viewable through the aperture 365, but if such light in factimpinges upon the marking, it may either be non-parallel light rays orinsufficient light in order for the camera to clearly see and causedetection of the markings. In such a case, it is suitable to use anoptical beam splitter 371, as depicted on FIG. 35 and a separate lightsource 372.

In the case of using an optical beam splitter covering part of thecamera field of view, as shown in FIGS. 25, 26, 28 and 33, the camera308 is suitably configured to take an image of both of said first andsecond regions simultaneously. However, image taking may just as well bebased on taking an image of said first and second regions alternately,or selectively taking a partial image of said first region or saidsecond region.

In the case where an optical beam splitter covers completely the camerafield of view, as seen from FIGS. 27 and 34, the camera 308 isconfigured to take an image of both of said first and second regionssimultaneously to form a two part image, as e.g. shown on FIG. 37 a.However, it would also be feasible to consider taking a full image ofsaid first and second regions alternately, or selectively taking apartial image of said first region or said second region.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 29-31, as well as FIGS. 35 and 36, thecamera 340; 345; 351; 356; 358 could suitably take images alternately orselectively, although it could be visualized taking two partial imagesof the viewing region simultaneously, one dedicated to contourrecognition and the other to identifying features on the object. Theembodiments of FIGS. 30, 35 and 36 in addition provides for reading ofmarking on a token, as disclosed e.g. in relationship to FIG. 38-42.

It has been disclosed above that the second light source 301, or forthat matter also the light sources 344, 349 and 359 can be constitutedby a plurality of light sub-sources, and the light source 301 has beenindicated to have e.g. four such sub-sources 302-305, although therecould be fewer sub-sources or more. For the other sources 344, 349 and359 three or four sub-sources have been indicated, without labelingeach. The reason for more than one light sub-source is that lightreflexes from the object or position of the light sub-source relative tothe identifying feature on the object may cause the reading of thefeature to be difficult or even impossible. In view thereof the lightsub-sources are suitably selectively activated, although activationwould be possible individually, in pairs or in groups, or in a cycle.

FIGS. 43-45 illustrate a preferred card dispenser 369 to be used fordispensing tokens, e.g. cards 367. The dispenser 369 has a dispensingoutlet 373 for dispensing cards 367 one-by-one from a stack of cardscontained in a storage compartment 374. The markings 366 on the cards367 are viewable through an opening 375 in the bottom of the dispenser.A pusher member 376 is provided to push out cards one-by one by areciprocal motion of the pusher member or slide 376, the reciprocalmotion being provided by a controllable motor 377 having control wires378 for controlling power to the motor. Suitably, the motor 377 has apinion (not shown) in engagement with a rack 379 on the pusher or slideto enable the reciprocal movement thereof.

RVM Operational System Overview

FIG. 46 depicts an overall system in which the various aspects of thepresent invention are implemented.

The reverse vending machine (RVM) has said processing and control unit400 which receives video data from the camera 401 via a video analyzer402. The camera 401 is also linked to the operation unit 408, and theoperation unit includes the watchdog timer 403 and a motor control. Themotor #1 and its control, denoted 404, are related to the drive of thesupporting means 325, 327, or the unit 333 as disclosed earlier. A motoroverload sensor 405 is also provided to inhibit operation of motor #1 incase of jam not detected by the operational unit 408 or a jam detector406. The sensor 405 could be in the form of a pressure sensitive bar, orthe roller 243 could have its weight sensor 253 (in FIG. 46 denoted by419) modified in order to also indicate pressure against the rollercaused by a jam due to an object not fully located in the recess orspace 222.

The operation unit 408 is, as disclosed earlier linked with the camera401 and the processing and control unit (processor) 400, and in thepresent example the unit 408 controls the motor controls 404 and 422directly, although such control could be via the processor 400.

As indicated earlier, optically readable cards will normally be read bye.g. camera 401. However, if a card is a magnetic readable/writable cardor an r.f. readable/writable card, there will be the need of a cardreader/card encoder unit 411. The card dispenser 361 as disclosedearlier is on FIG. 38 denoted by 412.

Suitably, the tokens are ready made, pre-coded cards, like the cards 367which are dispensable one by one from the dispenser means 369; 412 (FIG.46) and which upon the feed-out from the dispenser 412 via output 412′is code-read by a code reader/encoder 411, in particular if the card isa magnetic stripe or r.f. card. Alternatively, if the card is anoptically readable card, the card is read by the camera 401 via aperture424 and inclined mirror 424′ as more closely disclosed in connectionwith FIGS. 38, 41 a and 42 (see references 365 and 368).

If the card is a magnetic stripe card or an r.f. card and with noinformation on the card when it is located in the dispenser, the codereader/encoder 411 will be able to encode the card with a card code,such as e.g. a serial number or other identity, or the combination of acard code or serial number or other identity and a redemption value tobe rewarded or paid, as the cards are fed out from the dispenserone-by-one.

If the cards to be used for reward of empty beverage containersdeposited in the RVM are not to be delivered from a card dispenser, suchtoken could be a personal token which the customer brings with him tothe RVM and uses to transfer card identity data from the card to theRVM. If the card is an optically readable card, it can be read by thecamera 401 and as indicated further by reference 411′ when inserted intoa slot (see reference 370; FIG. 26) and viewable through an aperture(see reference 370′; FIG. 26) in the light retro-reflective area (seereference 313; FIG. 26). If the card is an r.f readable card, the cardcould be readable by an r.f. reader 411″, and if the card is a magneticstripe readable card, the card could be readable by a magnetic stripereader 411′″.

The cards, irrespective of being optically readable, r.f. readable orencodable, or magnetic stripe readable or encodable, could be in theform of a reusable token, in particular because the cards are in anycase validated and after reward has been paid, invalidated. The tokencould be retrieved from a stack or a band of cards. If a band of cardsor a zig-zag arranged band of cards is used, the dispenser 369 (412 onFIG. 46) should suitably be replaced by a conventional type of dispenserfor such card arrangement. Also, different type of encoder 411 may berequired. In any case, the card should have at least an alphanumerical,machine readable code.

If the token is a card which is optically readable, the card should havea pre-made code thereon, suitably consisting of a bar code or otheroptically readable code readable by an optical reader such as the camera401. As indicated earlier, the bar code or other optically readable codeis preferably retro-reflective to light. Such configuration of the cardmakes an additional light source for viewing the code on the cardsuperfluous. Conversely, the card could be made of a retro-reflectivematerial and the bar code be made of a non-reflective material.

The processor 400 will either directly, or via a central computerinstallation 413 transfer to a rewarding or check-out and paymentstation 414 information related to a readable token code and informationrelated to said return value. Transfer of information to and from theprocessor to the computer 413 and the station 414 is suitably via alocal area network (LAN) 415. The station 414 has a card reader 416 toread the card before reward or redemption value is paid. The card isthen invalidated through use of a token invalidation means 407associated with the station 414 or through internal operation in theunit 400 and/or the computer 413. In an alternative embodiment theprocessor 400 communicates with a “tick-off” unit 417, which could be inthe form of a mini-computer, such as so-called PDA. This could be asolution useful for a small store, through which there is conveyed tothe unit 417 from the processor displayable information such as visiblecard identity and sum to be paid. Upon payment of the required money,the operator ticks off the particular item displayed, which is then madevoid or invalid, cancelled in the unit 400 and/or computer 413, andsuitably removed from the display on the unit 417.

The RVM has suitably a display 418 to properly guide or inform an RVMuser how to operate. If the display is a touch screen, the customer maycommunicate with the processor 400. The container weight sensor 419indicated on FIG. 46, which has been described earlier in the context ofFIG. 18 as sensor 253, is provided to engage an end 247 of an axle 243′(see FIG. 26) of the roller 243, so as to spot whenever a too heavybeverage container is fed into the RVM through an opening 425 on theRVM. The term “too heavy” in this context is meant to imply that theunit 400, upon receiving information related to shape and identityfeatures, will compare these data with library data in the unit 400, andthereby determine whether the object in fact should weigh less or not.This has been disclosed in more detail earlier. Also as indicated, theweight sensor could suitably form or supplement the jam sensor 405.

An interlock-mechanism 420 is provided for safety reasons. The mechanismis suitably a set of sensors and switches to ensure that the RVM cannotbe operated unless all units are in proper place and all cabinet panelsare in proper mounted position and cabinet doors are locked.

A power supply 421 is provided, suitably linked to power consuming unitsvia the unit 400.

A motor and control unit 422 is provided to cause the volume of acollection container 426 to be adjusted by winding or unwinding aflexible side and bottom 426′. However, although FIG. 51 shows acollection container 426, it would be understood by the average expertin the art that other operational equipment could be installed andoperated instead of the collection container. Such equipment couldinclude one or more from the group of: conveyor; pusher unit; rotationmeans; compactor; disintegrator; sorter means. The positioning andevidently the configuration of such equipment in cooperation with themotor 422 could be substantially different from that of the collectioncontainer 426. The collection container is particularly suitable forheavier objects, e.g. bottles of glass.

Reference numeral 423 in FIG. 46 denotes a position sensor which is usedto detect rotary positions of the drum 220, or the plunger 270, and willbe described in slightly more detail in connection with FIGS. 50 a and50 b.

The reference numeral 100 denotes generally a storage compartment forreceiving objects delivered from the supporting, sorting, conveying andpush-out unit 200. The storage chamber or compartment 100, as shown alsoin FIG. 51 has been extensively disclosed earlier in the presentdisclosure, see disclosure related to FIGS. 1-24, and FIGS. 2-8 inparticular.

Electro-Mechanical Drive Device

FIGS. 47, 50 a, 50 b and 51 show that the unit 200 is powered by a motor404 via a gear 500 which engages a gear 501 on the unit 200 to turn thedrum 220 and in so doing also moving the element 223. The roller 243 isforcibly moveable through interaction between a small gear 502 and thesubstantially larger gear 501. Motor 404 is fixedly attached to theframework 503 of the RVM via brackets 504, whereas the unit can bepulled out entirely from the RVM cabinet 428 (see reference 250 on FIGS.18 and 19) for cleaning, as indicated by arrow 505, and be pushed intothe cabinet again after cleaning for gear engagement between gears 500and 501. No electrical parts are present on the unit 200, justmechanical parts which stand wet cleaning, and even high pressure wetcleaning without any problem.

Thus, it is clearly seen that the advantages offered by the presentinvention reside in that the unit 200 is connected via a mechanicallyseparable power transfer coupling formed by gears 500 and 501, the gear500 being operated by the motor 404 which is stationary fixed in thecabinet 428. Thus the electrically powered drive 404, 500 is locatedseparable from the unit 200 and its gears 501, 502.

FIGS. 48 a and 48 b show a collection container 426 powered by a motor422. The motor 422 has in a non-limiting example a winged male,spindle-like member 506 which is configured to fit in a releasablemanner into a winged, female member 507 on a drive shaft 508, the driveshaft 508 in this non-limitative example to be use for winding orunwinding the flexible side and bottom 426′. The container 426 can bepulled out of the RVM cabinet 428 for emptying and cleaning, and pushedinto the cabinet again for engagement between the members 506 and 507.The motor 422, like motor 404 is suitably fixedly attached to theframework 503 of the RVM cabinet or to the cabinet wall or any suitablestay in the cabinet. When the unit 200 or the container 426 are inposition in the cabinet and with a cabinet front door closed, there willbe full engagement between the power gear 500 and the gear 501 (seeelement 244 on FIG. 10), and similarly between members 506 and 507. Thewing configuration on members 506 and 507 ensures that full rotationallocking engagement is provided.

Instead of the male/female coupling 506/507 on FIGS. 48 a and 48 b, amale/female coupling as shown on FIG. 49 a or 49 b could be used.Suitably, the female part of the coupling would be on the handling unitside, and with the male part at the drive-motor side, although thearrangement could be vice versa.

In the example of FIG. 49 a, the male part has a spring-loaded plug 509,loaded by a spring 510 in a housing 511 and powered by a motor 512 via adrive shaft 513. The female part has a housing 514 with a drive shaft515 connecting to a drive mechanism (not shown) located on a handlingunit, such as e.g. a handling unit like the unit 200 or 426. The housinghas a recess or socket 516 configured to fit the plug 509. It isappreciated that when the handling unit is pushed into the cabinet, theend face 514′ of the housing 514 will more than likely abut the end face509′ of the plug 509, as in most cases the plug 509 is not aligned withthe socket 516. However, when the motor 512 (fixedly attached to thecabinet or the cabinet framework or stays) starts to operate, thehousing 511 with the plug 509 pushed into the housing 511 starts torotate until the plug is aligned with the socket 516, at which momentthe plug 509 will pop out from the housing 511 and into the socket 516,whereby mechanical coupling is established between the motor 512 and thehandling unit.

In the example of FIG. 49 b, the male part 524 has a four-winged plug525 with a spike 526, powered by a motor 512 via a drive shaft 513. Thefemale part has a housing 527 with a drive shaft 528 connecting to adrive mechanism (not shown) located on a handling unit, such as e.g. ahandling unit like the unit 200 or 426. The housing has a socket 529configured to fit the plug 525. The spike 526, which is for aligning themale and female parts 524; 527 fits into a recess 530 in the female part527. When the handling unit is pushed into the cabinet, the end face527′ of the female part 527 will more than likely abut the end face 525′of the plug 525, as in most cases the plug 525 is not aligned with thesocket 529. The female part 527 will thus be pushed backwards about andalong the shaft 528 against action from a spring 531. However, when themotor 512 (fixedly attached to the cabinet or the cabinet framework orstays) starts to operate, the part 524 with the plug 525 starts torotate until the plug is aligned with the socket 529, at which momentthe female part 527 will move by spring force towards the male part 524and allow the socket 529 to be mechanically engaged with the plug 525,whereby mechanical coupling is established between the motor 512 and thehandling unit.

If required, releasable locking means, suitably easily reachable bymaintenance staff, could be provided to fully lock units like thoselabeled 200 and 426 in position relative to the RVM cabinet.

As indicated on FIG. 46, sorter or drum rotary position detectors 423may be provided. FIG. 50 a shows position detectors 517 and 518interacting with markings 517′, 518′ on the drum cog-wheel 519. Thedetectors may be of a magnetic type detecting metal elementsconstituting said markings. The markings may be of an optical type ifthe detectors are of optical type. In FIG. 50 b optical detectors 520,521 interact with a code-disk attached to the rotation-shaft 523 of thedrum.

Modification of the various elements, means and devices related to thenumerous aspects of the present invention would be conceivable withinthe scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

1. A safety apparatus for controlling operation of functional equipmenthaving movable parts, said apparatus having a camera configured to viewand cause detection of safety related event in a field of view of thecamera, characterized in that a background area is in the field of view,said background area in a part thereof exhibiting a set of stationarymarkings, that a fraction of sensor matrix pixels in the camera isdedicated to providing an image of said markings, said fraction ofpixels readable by a hardware configured operating unit, said operatingunit has a set of stored reference pixel signal values which arerespectively related to pixels in said fraction of sensor matrix pixels,and which are related to said background area and said array ofdistinguished markings thereon, said operating unit is hardwareconfigured to compare a read pixel signal value from a respective pixelin said fraction of pixels with corresponding reference signal valueassigned to such respective pixel, and to output respective comparisonsignal, and that said operating unit has an output capable of changingits signal state of delivered signal when said comparison signal or aset of such comparison signals departs from a predefined condition, saiddelivered signal when in the form of a disabling or deactivating signalis effective to cause disablement or halted operation of said functionalequipment.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said functionalequipment is located in a reverse vending machine for receiving emptybeverage containers.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidbackground area is located in a camera viewing chamber of a reversevending machine, wherein the chamber has at least one entry opening intowhich an object in the form of an empty beverage container is insertableto be viewed by the camera, and wherein said set of markings is locatedat at least one of: an entry region of said viewing chamber, and one ormore edge regions of the background area.
 4. An apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein said chamber has two entry openings, and wherein saidset of markings are located at or adjacent to said openings.
 5. Anapparatus according to claim 3, wherein said chamber has one entryopening and one exit opening aligned with each other, and wherein saidset of markings are located at or adjacent to said openings.
 6. Anapparatus according to claim 3, wherein said chamber has one of: a) oneentry opening and at least one exit within the chamber, and b) one entryopening and one exit opening aligned with each other, and wherein saidset of markings are located at or adjacent to said openings.
 7. Anapparatus according to claim 3, wherein said set of markings includes apattern of at least one column of mutually spaced markings.
 8. Anapparatus according to claim 3, wherein said set of markings includes apattern of at least one row of mutually spaced markings.
 9. An apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein said set of markings includes at least onesolid line.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said set ofmarkings form a pattern of mutually spaced markings arranged in at leastone column and in at least one row.
 11. An apparatus according to claim3, wherein said set of markings form a pattern of mutually spacedmarkings arranged in at least one column and at least one solid line.12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said set of markingsincludes a pattern of at least one column of mutually spaced markings.13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said set of markingsincludes a pattern of at least one row of mutually spaced markings. 14.An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said set of markings includesat least one solid line.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid set of markings form a pattern of mutually spaced markings arrangedin at least one column and in at least one row.
 16. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said set of markings form a pattern ofmutually spaced markings arranged in at least one column and at leastone solid line.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidoperating unit includes a watchdog timer to check that reading of pixelsignals from said fraction of pixels and comparison with reference pixelsignal values are made at a minimum rate of iteration.
 18. An apparatusaccording to claim 17, wherein said operating unit is configured at itsoutput to change its signal state to a disabling or deactivating signalif said minimum rate of iteration is below a set value, in order todisable or halt operation of functional equipment having movable parts.19. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said operating unit is alogic network having a response dictated by its hardware functions andinputs thereto.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidoperating unit is made from one of: a plurality of discrete functionalbuilding blocks; an application specified integrated circuit (ASIC), anapplication specified integrated circuit (ASIC) in the form of a gatearray, and an implementation in a programmable circuit of the type FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA).
 21. An apparatus according to claim 1wherein said set of markings comprises at least one of: a pattern of atleast one column of mutually spaced markings, a pattern of at least onerow of mutually spaced markings, at least one solid line, a pattern ofmutually spaced markings arranged in at least one column and in at leastone row, and a pattern of mutually spaced markings arranged in at leastone column and at least one lying e.g. horizontal, marked line.
 22. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein said chamber has one of: a) oneentry opening at least one exit within the chamber, and wherein said setof markings are located at or adjacent to said openings.